Topical Bible: Hatred: Punishment of

◄ Hatred: Punishment of ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Hatred, as depicted in the Bible, is a destructive emotion that stands in opposition to the love and unity that God desires for His people. The Scriptures provide numerous warnings and examples of the consequences of harboring hatred, both in this life and in the eternal perspective.

Old Testament Insights

In the Old Testament, hatred is often associated with violence and enmity. Proverbs 10:12 states, "Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions." This verse highlights the divisive nature of hatred, contrasting it with the unifying power of love. The consequences of hatred are further illustrated in the account of Cain and Abel. Cain's hatred for his brother led to the first murder, resulting in God's curse upon him (Genesis 4:8-12).

The Mosaic Law also addresses the issue of hatred, particularly in the context of justice and community relations. Leviticus 19:17 commands, "You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him." This directive underscores the importance of resolving conflicts and maintaining purity of heart to avoid the guilt associated with hatred.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to emphasize the dangers of hatred, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus equates hatred with murder, stating, "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment" (Matthew 5:22). This teaching elevates the seriousness of hatred, indicating that it is not merely an external action but a heart condition that incurs divine judgment.

The apostle John further elaborates on the spiritual implications of hatred in 1 John 3:15 : "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer." Here, John draws a direct connection between hatred and spiritual death, warning believers of the eternal consequences of harboring such animosity.

Divine Justice and Retribution

The Bible consistently portrays God as a just judge who will punish sin, including the sin of hatred. Romans 12:19 advises believers, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'" This passage reassures believers that God will address the wrongs caused by hatred, emphasizing His role as the ultimate arbiter of justice.

In the eschatological context, Revelation 21:8 lists those who will face the second death, including "the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars." While hatred is not explicitly mentioned, its association with murder and other sins suggests that it too will be subject to divine punishment in the final judgment.

Practical Implications for Believers

Believers are called to reject hatred and embrace love, following the example of Christ. Ephesians 4:31-32 instructs, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This exhortation highlights the transformative power of forgiveness and love, which stand in stark contrast to the destructive nature of hatred.

Ultimately, the Bible presents hatred as a sin with serious consequences, both in terms of personal relationships and one's standing before God. The call to love and forgive is not only a command but a pathway to spiritual freedom and eternal life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 34:21
Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 44:7
But you have saved us from our enemies, and have put them to shame that hated us.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 89:23
And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Amos 1:11
Thus said the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether Hatred of God is the Greatest of Sins?
... which is punishment. But hatred of punishment is not the most grievous
sin. Therefore hatred of God is not the most grievous sin. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether hatred of god is.htm

Whether the Blessed Rejoice in the Punishment of the Wicked?
... Objection 1: It would seem that the blessed do not rejoice in the punishment of
the wicked. For rejoicing in another's evil pertains to hatred. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the blessed rejoice in.htm

Whether Clemency and Meekness are Absolutely the Same?
... is to punish too severely, "is restrained by clemency," from inflicting too severe
a punishment, so that clemency directly moderates not hatred but punishment. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether clemency and meekness are.htm

Whether Anger is More Grievous than Hatred?
... to the intensity of the desire, anger excludes mercy more than hatred does; because ...
Now vengeance is wrought by the infliction of a punishment: and the nature ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether anger is more grievous.htm

A Sedition against Sabinus; and How Varus Brought the Authors of ...
... he was there himself, brought the authors of the disturbance to punishment; and
when ... and of the king's forces, an managed matters with the like hatred to each ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 a sedition against.htm

Antipater is Accused Before Varus, and is Convicted of Laying a ...
... or did not I know what end my brethren came to, on whom God inflicted so great a
punishment for their evil designs against thee ... Could I suspect hatred from thee ...
/.../chapter 32 antipater is accused.htm

Concerning the Disease that Herod Fell into and the Sedition which ...
... his kingdom to [Antipas], his youngest son; and this out of that hatred to Archclaus
and ... and for fear he should be so cruel and to inflict punishment on them ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning the disease.htm

The Testament of Gad Concerning Hatred.
... leaveth them still to the repentant, or to the unrepentant reserveth punishment
for ever ... Put away, therefore, hatred from your souls, and love one another with ...
/.../the testaments of the twelve patriarchs/ix the testament of gad concerning.htm

Of the Punishment of Faults, that it Cannot Take Place Without ...
... of injury, while they are angry with those whom they regard with hatred. ... faults of
slaves and children; for through their escaping without punishment they will ...
/.../chap xviii of the punishment of.htm

The Reasons of the Hatred against the Christians are Examined and ...
... LIII."The Reasons of the Hatred Against the Christians are Examined and Refuted. ...
has been unwilling to learn by word has learned by his own punishment who is ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap liii the reasons of the.htm